MMWR News Synopsis for December 3, 2015

 

Cholesterol Treatment and Eligibility among Adults — United States, 2005–2012

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Nearly 800,000 people die in the U.S. each year from cardiovascular diseases – that’s one in every three deaths – and high cholesterol continues to be a major risk factor. This study reveals opportunities to reduce existing disparities through targeted patient education and cholesterol treatment programs. The 2013 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association cholesterol management guidelines expand on previous national recommendations to include lifestyle modifications and medication use. As a result, CDC analyzed data from the 2005-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys to determine baseline estimates for people currently on or eligible for cholesterol treatment, as well as identify existing racial/ethnic disparities. Overall, nearly 37 percent of U.S. adults were found to be on or eligible for cholesterol treatment, but only half reported taking the appropriate medication. Less than 47 percent said they made lifestyle changes aimed at cholesterol management, while 35 percent reported no action. In addition, higher proportions of women and white respondents reported taking cholesterol-lowering medication compared to men, Hispanics and blacks.

CDC Grand Rounds: Prevention and Control of Skin Cancer

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Comprehensive skin cancer prevention programs can reduce the future burden of skin cancer, and can be cost-effective. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases treated per year at a cost of $8.1 billion. Most cases are preventable by reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV). The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer lists strategies to reduce overexposure to UV: increasing opportunities for sun protection, such as shade; communicating information about UV exposure; promoting policies that support skin cancer prevention, such as allowing use of hats and sunscreen in schools; reducing harms from indoor tanning; and, strengthening research. The Arizona Department of Health Services and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have implemented prevention strategies named in the Call to Action. Watch the CDC Grand Rounds to learn more: http://www.cdc.gov/cdcgrandrounds/archives/2015/april2015.htm

Notes from the Field:

• Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Producing OXA-48–Like Carbapenemases — United States, 2010–2015
• Increase in Human Cases of Tularemia — Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, January–September 2015

QuickStats

• Percentage of Uninsured Persons Aged <65 Years With No Health Insurance Coverage Because of Cost, by Race/Ethnicity — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2004 and 2014

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES